7 Best Day Trips from Amalfi

Travelling to Amalfi and not sure where to start? Excursions are one of the best experiences you can't miss. Check out the most amazing ones

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

9 min read

7 Best Day Trips from Amalfi

Vista desde el mar de Amalfi |©Ralph Grizzle

Amalfi is the starting point for several excursions that will dazzle you. From this city you can travel to Naples, the island of Capri, Positano or Ravello, among other places. Each excursion includes different experiences and destinations to suit all tastes.

You can travel by boat or in a private vehicle, opt for more cultural and historical excursions or more relaxing ones with a day at the beach. Choose the one you like best and spend a dream holiday. In all of them you will be accompanied by a local guide who will explain all the details of the places you visit.

1. Boat excursion to Capri Island: small group from Amalfi

High view of Amalfi|©Robert
High view of Amalfi|©Robert

Do you want to make the most of your stay on the Amalfi Coast? If so, you should book an excursion to Capri. I recommend tours for small groups of maximum 12-14 people.

When you are on board the boat, your guide will take you along the coast. One of the highlights you'll see are the Faraglioni rocky peaks of Capri, another rock formation; specifically three peaks that have become famous for their peculiar shapes. Other sites you will see on this excursion are the White and Green Grottoes, the island of Galli, the Arch of Lovers, Punta Campanella...

Moreover, during the excursion you will have free time to explore the island on your own and discover the historical centre and the Blue Grotto at your own pace.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 208 €.
  • Duration: about 7-8 hours.
  • Means of transport: boat.
  • Advantages of this option: with this type of excursion you can explore the whole island of Capri sailing from Amalfi. Although some things are on your own, the boat allows you to do quite a complete tour.
  • Disadvantages of this option: to do this tour you must have at least one day set aside during your holiday, as it lasts at least 7 hours.

Book an excursion to Capri

2. Trekking tour to Valle delle Ferriere from Amalfi

One of my favourite plans is the trekking excursion to Valle delle Ferriere from Amalfi where you will enter this popular valley known for the beauty of its landscapes. You will immerse yourself in nature with a linear route of about six and a half kilometres (3.2 km outward and 3.2 km return).

Along the way you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will reveal all the details about the history, flora and fauna of the Valle delle Ferriere, which is characterized by its historical ruins, waterfalls, streams and brooks, as well as its spectacular and lush flora.

The activity lasts approximately four hours and you will have the opportunity to spot some birds such as the peregrine falcon or the spotted woodpecker.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 91 €.
  • Duration: around 5 hours.
  • Means of transport: On foot.
  • Advantages of this option: The tour takes place in groups of a maximum of 15 people.
  • Disadvantages of this option: This activity is not recommended for travellers with back pain, heart conditions or other serious medical problems.

Book a trekking tour to Valle delle Ferriere

3. Private Day Trip to Pompeii from Amalfi

Pompeii|©Javier Pereda
Pompeii|©Javier Pereda

When in Amalfi, you can take the opportunity to visit Pompeii. However, if you do it on your own, you will have to deal with public transport, road complications and traffic, among others. My recommendation is to go on a private tour with a comfortable vehicle.

You will pass through different points such as the Fiordo di Furore or the village of Praiano. The first stop as such is usually at the Arienzo Beach Club Positano. After enjoying one of the best beaches of the Amalfi Coast, you will continue the tour until you reach the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, an impressive archaeological site where the ruins of this emblematic Roman city are preserved.

With the help of your local guide, you will be able to tour this site and learn interesting historical facts. In its heyday, this was an important trading town, so there is a lot to discover here. At the end you will return to Amalfi by private vehicle to the starting point.

Interesting details

  • Price: approximately 350 €.
  • Duration: about 9 hours.
  • Means of transport: private vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: this private tour allows you to visit several areas between Amalfi and Pompeii that will help you to discover interesting historical and touristic sites. The best thing is that you will always be accompanied by a guide who knows all the stories and roads.
  • Disadvantages of this option: you have to invest a whole day of your holiday in this trip, as it takes an average of 9 hours.

Book a boat trip to Amalfi and Positano

4. Wine tour from the Amalfi Coast

Person pouring wine|© Douglas López
Person pouring wine|© Douglas López

During the month of April in Amalfi it can be a good plan to go on a wine tour. Visiting a vineyard in this month's weather can be pleasant and you will have the opportunity to taste quality wines.

In this type of tour you will visit Tramonti, a town in the province of Salerno. On the way, you will be able to enjoy an incredible panoramic view. The green landscapes illuminated by the sun are a spectacle you must see. Finally, you will arrive at a local wine cellar where your guide will take you to explore the different vineyards to learn about the wine production and winemaking process.

In the company of an experienced sommelier, you will taste delicious wines accompanied by small snacks. After tasting at least three different types of wine, this tour will be over and your guide will take you back to the starting point.

Interesting details

  • Price: approximately 500 €.
  • Duration: about 6 hours.
  • Means of transport: private vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: you will get to know a vineyard and enjoy nature. You will also learn about the wine production process and taste at least three types of wine.
  • Disadvantages of this option: this type of tour does not include a full meal, but small snacks. You should ask if a lunch stop can be included or choose a time that does not interfere with lunch time.

5. Vespa tour from Amalfi

Amalfi by Vespa|©Tang Lee
Amalfi by Vespa|©Tang Lee

Do you like the idea of touring Amalfi on an authentic Italian Vespa scooter? If so, I have good news for you, because you can take a tour from Amalfi on one of these iconic scooters.

First you must meet your guide and your group to receive helmets and safety equipment. For this tour it is important that you know how to drive this type of vehicle and have a driving licence, otherwise you won't be able to do it. When the whole group is ready, you can start the tour where you will visit:

  • Villa Cimbrone, where you can stroll through its gardens and appreciate the beautiful view.
  • Spiaggia di Atrani, a beautiful place with a lovely beach.
  • Grotta dello Smeraldo, whose entrance is included in the tour and is an almost magical experience.
  • Praiano, where you will have the opportunity to take excellent photographs of the site. Here you will also see a very lively local life with artisans, restaurants and much more.
  • Positano, a beautiful Italian village characterised by its pebble beaches and narrow streets.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 200 ¤.
  • Duration: about 8 hours.
  • Means of transport: Vespa scooter.
  • Advantages of this option: you will have the opportunity to drive a vehicle yourself and get the air of the Amalfi coast until you reach Positano. On the way you will be able to visit different important tourist attractions.
  • Disadvantages of this option: if you do not know how to drive a Vespa scooter you will not be able to do this type of tour.

6. Midday tour from Amalfi to Naples

View of the sea|©Bernard Blanc
View of the sea|©Bernard Blanc

If you plan to stay in Amalfi for at least three days, you will have enough time for an excursion to Naples. To begin this excursion, you will meet a local guide at a pre-arranged point in Amalfi. You will then travel to the historic centre of Naples. Your first stop will be the Trattoria e Pizzeria Spaccanapoli where you can enjoy a delicious Italian pizza.

After lunch, it will be time to explore the entire historic centre starting with the underground Naples. This tour of tunnels and caverns is over 5,000 years old. With the help of your guide, you will learn many interesting facts about the place. The next stop is usually the Cathedral of Naples where you will see beautiful artefacts and relics.

Another stop is the Sansevero Chapel Museum, also known as the church of Santa Maria della Pietà or Pietatella where you will admire beautiful chapels with iconic works of art. Your guide will take you to other interesting sites in the centre of Naples before returning to Amalfi.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 200 ¤.
  • Duration: about 8 hours.
  • Means of transport: private vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: you will get to know the historic centre of Naples and eat a delicious pizza in the best Italian style.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the tour focuses only on the historic centre. If you want to explore more than this, it's important to talk to your guide about including more sights.

Traveller tip
Road trips from Amalfi can be very long. If you tend to get motion sickness on road trips, I recommend taking a special pill to help ease the symptoms. Also, bring a bottle of water to refresh yourself along the way. If you're travelling in summer, the heat can be a bit unbearable on the road.

7. Excursion to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius|©salvador roig seró
Mount Vesuvius|©salvador roig seró

Earlier I recommended a tour to explore the ancient city of Pompeii and its archaeological sites, but you can also opt for a tour that also includes Mount Vesuvius. This way you can see more of the iconic sites near the Amalfi Coast.

You will travel in a comfortable and private vehicle to the first destination, Mount Vesuvius. On board the car you will be able to climb up to one kilometre from the top of the volcano. You will reach the top accompanied by your guide. Vesuvius hides different interesting stories like a hidden village that few people know about. You can take a tour of the site and enjoy the beautiful views of the area.

At the end of the tour, you will continue to Pompeii. There you will find one of the most impressive sites in Europe. This city was hidden for more than 1,700 years. You should definitely explore this ancient city. Once you have finished the tour, you can return with your group to the starting point.

Interesting details

  • Price: approximately 150 €.
  • Duration: about 9 hours.
  • Means of transport: private vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: you will get to see one of the most important ancient cities in the world and Mount Vesuvius, an impressive volcano famous for its eruption in 79 AD.
  • Disadvantages of this option: This can be a very long trip that requires a lot of walking. You should prepare for the walk with very comfortable clothes and shoes.

Why is it advisable to take a trip from Amalfi?

Amalfi Harbour|©Jean-Marc Vernier
Amalfi Harbour|©Jean-Marc Vernier

The Amalfi Coast is an area full of picturesque villages, beautiful landscapes and admirable monuments. From the town of Amalfi you can take different excursions by boat or car to get to know most of the coast.

If you travel to Amalfi, I recommend you take an excursion to the nearby towns and villages. Take advantage of the proximity to the different sites so that you return home full of memories and beautiful photographs. It is much better to travel on a planned excursion, as you will always have private transport to take you to all destinations. Plus, your local guide will help you make the most of your stay at the different sites.

On the other hand, excursions can also include an extra activity beyond exploring a new place. Some give you a different perspective as you travel by boat, ride a scooter or go wine tasting. No doubt each experience is unique and you'll find one that suits your tastes.

Book a trekking tour to Valle delle Ferriere

What to pack for an excursion from Amalfi?

Pink suitcase with shoes and glasses|© Arnel Hasanovic
Pink suitcase with shoes and glasses|© Arnel Hasanovic

The excursions from Amalfi are very varied. However, to enjoy this World Heritage Site you can pack a few things in your suitcase that will be useful for any plan. Comfortable clothes suitable for the weather are recommended. A pair of comfortable shoes is also a must, as many of these tours require you to walk for hours.

Among the best things to do in Amalfi is to visit some of the beaches along the coast and, for this, you should bring a swimming costume. Also include sunscreen in your suitcase so you can swim in the crystal clear waters of the coast with peace of mind.

A camera or a phone with a good camera is a must - you'll see so much beauty you'll want to take pictures of everything! Make sure you have enough space on your phone or camera so you can document your whole experience. A portable battery is also a very useful tool on any of these excursions.

Book a boat trip on the Amalfi Coast